Maria Costa (USA) and her own Valentino V Z closed out week seven of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with a win in the $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix CSI2* on Sunday, February 27, 2022, in Wellington, FL. 

(Top Photo:   Maria Costa and Valentino V Z with Dr. John Cooley of Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Photo: Jump Media)

Costa and Valentino V Z, a 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Verdi TN x Converter), were one of 44 horse-and-rider combinations that entered the class with the hopes of earning the top prize. After a competitive first round, 12 combinations went clear to advance to the jump-off. Costa and her mount went near the end of the order and proved unbeatable when they flew through the timers at 37.85 seconds.

“This might sound crazy but I was on him for all of 30 seconds when I tried him, and I just knew I had to have him,” said Costa of Valentino V Z. “Our relationship is really special to me. I have had him since he was a seven-year-old, and it was certainly a rocky road in the beginning. We stayed super consistent with him. He is the type of horse that really appreciates consistency so about two years in he just kind of decided he liked it. Our bond has gotten to the point where I would comfortably ride into war on him. I always know he has my back and I have his, so I would have to say it is the most special connection I have ever had with a horse. I can’t imagine it ever getting better.

“I really wanted to take a little bit of a risk today,” continued Costa. “I jumped clear in the qualifier on Friday, but I was not happy with my performance in the jump-off. My goal was to do better today, and that goal was really my main motivation in my ride. He is naturally fast, and if you let him go forward a bit he thrives on the energy. He is not a big horse, but he makes himself big when he is out there in the ring.”

Fabio Leivas Da Costa (BRA) and Bonne Chance Farm LLC’s Ilex, the winners of Friday’s qualifying class, earned a second-place finish with a time of 38.29 seconds. Third place honors went to Charlotte Jacobs (USA) and North Star’s Rincoola Milsean after they stopped the clock at 38.41 seconds.

Palm Beach Equine Clinic is the Official Veterinarian of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Week 7 of the 13-week series featured CSI2* competition sponsored by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. You can view results, live stream replays, and more at PBIEC.com.

VIEW FULL RESULTS HERE.